Michael Friestleben

We, the people, are requesting a meeting with our Mayor and City Council members to discuss the recent treatment and future reinstatement of Lt. Michael Friestleben. As citizens of Minneapolis, particularly on the Northside, we have found that we are on the sad side of positive police relations. Lt. Friestleben made the most positive impact on the 4th precinct we’ve seen in years. His reinstatement as Inspector is our preferred course of action. But at minimum, he should remain in a role accessible to the community (at least until better minds prevail); such as the Lt. on the Community Engagement Team. Most importantly, we need the men and women we voted into office to end this persistent and constant targeting and removal of an officer like Friestleben who operates like the type of cop we need – hard on criminals, soft on community; a genuine and real human being. Enough with the Minneapolis Police Department’s secret, vindictive treatment of good officers like Friestleben. And enough with you, our elected city officials, opting out of your responsibility to us by using the excuse of “avoiding personnel matters” within the department. Be leaders. Stand up. Reverse this course of action now. And send a message to your constituents that their safety matters to you.